{"title":"Powell River tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Powell River","url":"https://powellriver.ca"},"short_answer":"Sometimes. Under the City of Powell River's Tree Protection Bylaw 2174 you need a City permit to cut a tree 20 cm (8 in) or more across on a parcel of 1 ha (2.5 ac) or more, on City land, on or next to a slope of 25% or more, or in a sensitive area, and any tree in a development permit or riparian area. Hazard trees are exempt.","aliases":["tree cutting permit powell river","tree protection bylaw powell river","cut down tree powell river","hazard tree removal"],"cost":"Application fee $150 per 0.5 ha (or part) of the parcel, non-refundable, waived for a hazard tree. Replacement tree security $200 per tree for the first 10 and $25 for each additional. Renewing, extending or changing a permit $50. These come from a 2017 consolidation; confirm with the City Engineer.","how_long":"A permit expires 12 months after it is issued. Processing time is not stated.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Engineering (City Engineer issues tree permits)","value":"604-485-8604"},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"604-485-6291"}],"documents":["Completed tree cutting permit application (Schedule A of the bylaw)","Title search dated within five business days","Site plan showing property lines, buildings and structures","Arborist's report or statement for a dead, diseased or hazardous tree","Tree management plan if more than 10 trees are to be removed"],"forms":[{"title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525"},{"title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2818, 2026 (PDF)","url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/159841"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Powell River building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/building-permit/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Powell River zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/parksville","name":"Parksville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/tree-removal/"}],"topic":{"title":"Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal/"},"facts":{"permit_needed":{"label":"When a permit is needed","value":"A tree cutting permit is needed for a tree 20 cm (8 in) or more across (at 1.5 m) on a parcel of 1 ha (2.5 ac) or more, on City-owned land, on or next to a slope of 25% or more, or in an Environmentally Sensitive Area. Any tree, of any size, in a Development Permit Area, a riparian area, or under a s. 219 covenant, and any significant or wildlife tree, also needs one.","short":"Yes, for 20 cm trees on parcels of 1 ha or more","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 2.2.1, 3.1","quotes":["This Bylaw shall apply to any tree having a diameter breast height of at least 20 cm (8 in) that is:","located upon any parcel of land 1 hectare (2.5 ac) or greater in size within City boundaries;","located on or immediately adjacent to a slope of 25% or greater (1 rise: 4 run);","No person shall cut or remove any tree to which this Bylaw applies"]},{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 2.2.2","quotes":["located within a Development Permit Area identified in the Official Community Plan Bylaw;","within a Riparian Area;","any significant or wildlife tree;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"No permit for: a dead, diseased, damaged or imminently hazardous tree (City Engineer satisfied, or an arborist's statement; a replacement tree is still required); farm operations; driveways, required parking and utility corridors; roads and services on approved drawings. One tree per 0.25 ha a year needs a permit and replacement but no fee. Tree farms, managed forest land and golf courses are outside the bylaw.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 4.1(h), 4.1(c), 4.1(d), 4.2","quotes":["cutting and removal of any tree that is dead, diseased, damaged or that otherwise constitutes an imminent physical hazard to persons or property","tree cutting or removal is necessary for the purposes of farm operations","tree cutting or removal required for the construction or installation of a driveway, required off-street parking area, underground or above ground utility corridor;","A permit, replacement tree(s), and security are required but the permit fee is not required to cut or remove one tree per 0.25 hectare of a parcel within any calendar year"]},{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 2.2.3","quotes":["used for the production or cutting of trees under a valid, existing licence for a tree farm, plant nursery or Christmas tree plantation;","designated under the Private Managed Forest Land Act;","a part of golf course lands;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Application fee $150 per 0.5 ha (or part) of the parcel, non-refundable, and waived for a hazard tree. A security deposit is also required for replacement trees (see below). Renewing, extending or changing a permit costs $50.","short":"$150 per 0.5 ha or part of parcel","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 5.1(c), 5.5(b)","quotes":["a non-refundable application fee in the amount of $150 per 0.5 ha or portion thereof of the parcel(s) where the tree(s) is/are located","payment of a non-refundable fee of $50;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"Replacement trees are planted on the same parcel under Schedule E: one tree for a 20-30 cm tree, two for 30-50 cm, three for 50 cm or more. Security: $200 per tree for the first 10 and $25 for each more, returnable after 3 years if healthy. A tree cut without a permit: at least two replacements.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 6.3.1, 6.3.5, 6.3.7","quotes":["the owner shall replace the tree cut or removed with a tree planted on the same parcel in accordance with the criteria set out in Schedule E.","security in the form of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $200 in respect of each tree to be planted and maintained for the first 10 replacement trees and $25 for each additional replacement tree.","the security may be returned to the owner after three (3) years","30-50 cm (12”–20”) two trees of 3 m (10 ft) two trees of 8 cm (3”)","50 cm plus (20”+) three trees of 3 m (10 ft) three trees of 8 cm (3”)"]},{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 8.2(b)","quotes":["a minimum of two (2) replacement trees for each tree unlawfully cut, removed or damaged"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"The bylaw covers trees 20 cm (8 in) or more across on titled land owned by the City, so cutting one needs a permit. Cutting by the City or its agents in a dedicated highway is exempt, except significant trees.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 2.2.1(b), s. 4.1(e)","quotes":["located upon titled land owned by the City or in the possession of the City;","tree cutting or removal carried out by the City or its agents within a dedicated highway except that significant trees are protected regardless of location;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $400 for cutting or removing a tree without a permit ($40 less if paid within 14 days; $40 surcharge if paid after 28 days). In court, the bylaw sets a fine of $500 to $10,000 per offence, and each day is a separate offence.","short":"Notice $400 ($40 less if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/159841","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2818, 2026 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, Appendix 24, Tree Protection Bylaw","quotes":["3.1 Cutting or removing tree $400 $40 $40 Not"]},{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/159841","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2818, 2026 (PDF)","section":"Bylaw 2818, s. 7(b), (c)","quotes":["if Paid within 14 days of the bylaw notice being received or being presumed received under the Act, the amount payable in subsection 7(a) shall be reduced by the amount of the discount in Column A2","if Paid after 28 days of the bylaw notice being received or being presumed received under the Act, the amount of the surcharge in Column A3"]},{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 8.1","quotes":["liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 and not less than $500"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Powell River Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","section":"s. 2.1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as “City of Powell River Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008”."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nIn the City of Powell River, the [Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008](https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525) requires a tree cutting permit for a tree 20 cm (8 in) or more across, measured 1.5 m up, if it is:\n\n- on a parcel of 1 ha (2.5 ac) or more;\n- on City-owned land;\n- on or next to a slope of 25% or more; or\n- in an Environmentally Sensitive Area.\n\nAny tree of any size in a Development Permit Area, a riparian area or under a s. 219 covenant, and any significant or wildlife tree, also needs a permit. Most ordinary town lots under 1 ha are covered only if a slope, riparian, development permit or sensitive area applies. Cutting roots, filling or using heavy equipment within the drip line of a protected tree is also prohibited.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your lot and tree against the list above. If unsure, call Engineering at 604-485-8604.\n2. Apply to the City Engineer with the form, fee, title search and site plan. More than 10 trees needs a tree management plan.\n3. Post the permit on the property at least 72 hours (3 days) before and during cutting.\n4. Plant the replacement trees on the same parcel. One tree is required for a tree 20 to 30 cm across, two for 30 to 50 cm, and three for 50 cm or more. The security is returnable after 3 years if the trees are healthy.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No permit is needed for a dead, diseased, damaged or imminently hazardous tree if the City Engineer is satisfied or you provide an arborist's statement. A replacement tree is still required.\n- No permit is needed for farm operations, driveways, required parking and utility corridors, or roads and services shown on approved drawings. One tree per 0.25 ha a year needs a permit and replacement but no fee.\n- Tree farms, managed forest land and golf courses are outside the bylaw.\n- Cutting without a permit means at least two replacement trees. A bylaw notice is $400 ($40 less if paid within 14 days; $40 more if paid after 28 days). In court the bylaw sets a fine of $500 to $10,000 per offence, and each day is a separate offence.\n- The bylaw has no separate rule for boulevard or street trees; ask the City Engineer before pruning or removing a tree on a road allowance.","sources":[{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/525","title":"Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw 2174, 2008 (consolidated September 2017, PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://powellriver.civicweb.net/document/159841","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2818, 2026 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://powellriver.ca/pages/contact-us","title":"Contact Us, City of Powell River","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/tree-removal.json"}}